North Korea, 1947, First Issue, 10 Won, Watermarked Version, TQG 45

Product Introduction

The 1947 North Korean 10-won banknote (original watermark of the Workers, Peasants, and Paektu Mountain, Pick #10Aa) was the first legal tender issued in North Korea in its founding year. Printed by the Goznak Printing Plant in the Soviet Union, it is a highly representative banknote depicting workers and peasants from the early days of East Asian republics. Due to its limited issuance and thorough recall, the original watermark is extremely rare, making it a core collectible in the Asian banknote collecting category.

Front View Details

• The left side features the words "North Korean Central Bank Note" in traditional Chinese characters arranged vertically, bordered at the top and bottom with pink floral borders. The four corners are marked with the Arabic numeral "10" and the denomination in Korean.

• The central image depicts workers and farmers at work, with farmers carrying hoes and workers wielding hammers. The background shows factories and ocean liners, recreating the post-war industrial reconstruction era.

• Below the image is the large Korean character "십원 (10 Won)," surrounded by a traditional Chinese scroll pattern. The note's main colors are pink and dark green, printed in two colors.

• The right side features the legal provisions regarding redemption in traditional Chinese characters, stamped with the official red seal of the "North Korean Central Bank" in red, with the serial number: ㅇㄧ 112635.

• The top is surrounded by a precision-engraved security mesh. The overall design blends Chinese and Soviet-style banknote art styles.

Reverse Design Details

• The top green frame contains the Korean inscription "조선인민공화국 (People's Republic of Korea)";

• The central image is a panoramic carving of Mount Paektu, with detailed layers of mountains and forests, a landmark geographical symbol of North Korea;

• The left and right sides are respectively printed with the Korean inscription "십원" and the vertically arranged traditional Chinese characters "拾圆" (Shi Yuan), with the number "10" symmetrically placed at the top and bottom corners;

• The bottom floral design indicates the year of issue, 1947, and features a full-page European-style scrolling floral anti-counterfeiting pattern with a purple and green two-tone background and rich intaglio printing layers;

• The original version uniquely features a pattern watermark anti-counterfeiting feature, while later reprints lack this watermark, resulting in a significant difference in collectible value between the two.

Condition Description

This banknote has been certified and sealed by TQG, an internationally recognized authority on banknote authentication, and received a grade of 45 (Choice Extremely Fine). The banknote has only minor original circulation creases, no tears, holes, or mold. It has not undergone any human restoration such as washing, ironing, or patching. The portraits of workers and peasants on the obverse and the engraving lines of Mount Paektu on the reverse are complete and clear. The ink on the Chinese characters, Korean characters, and serial number is saturated and does not fade. The original old paper texture is fully preserved. The seal provides permanent anti-oxidation protection. The official authentication record can be checked by scanning the QR code.

Specifications